Store looks to college for staff training

Staff at a new Homebase store opening this month in Aylesford, have ‘brushed up’ on their decorating skills with the help of painting and decorating lecturers at MidKent College.

Bosses from the leading DIY retailer approached five colleges across the county before choosing tutors at MidKent College to deliver a week’s worth of training to staff employed at its newly-refurbished store.

A short course in decorating, delivered to 12 Homebase employees during the college’s Easter break, saw staff at the DIY store attaining a level one City and Guilds award in painting and decorating. College lecturer Ellie Bentley said: “What we were able to offer above other training providers was a course that would provide Homebase staff with a nationally recognised qualification, as well as the knowledge and skills they will need to offer their customers practical advice on all things related to painting and decorating – from painting and prepping surfaces to wallpapering,” she said.

“The college’s painting and decorating department has never delivered a training course of this type before,” continued Mrs Bentley. “It’s been really very good for us and extremely exciting. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed teaching the class and have loved seeing this group work so well together as a team. I’ve been genuinely inspired by their clear motivation to learn.”

The week-long course, delivered at MidKent College’s Maidstone Campus, could be the first of a number delivered to Homebase employees, with talk of similar training being delivered to Homebase staff from across Kent, Mrs Bentley said.

“I think this is a great step forward for the college,” she commented. “What a brilliant way to work with the local community. I can’t see any reason why we shouldn’t expand on this experience and work with others in the local decorating industry.”

Homebase employee, Lisa Al, said: “I’ve done my own decorating in the past, but it wasn’t until I began this course that I realised how much easier a decorating job can be when it’s done properly. It has been eye-opening to see how the professionals do it.”

Mrs Al, who is set to work on the colour desk at the new Aylesford store, added: “This week has been fantastic for my confidence. I can’t wait to start work, safe in the knowledge that my customers will be getting the best advice I can possibly give.”

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Marketing and Communications Officer on 01634 383037 
or at heather.collingwood@midkent.ac.uk